Canada and British Columbia invest in AbCellera’s biotech campus

VANCOUVER — The Government of Canada and the Province of B.C., jointly announced funding of $300 million to AbCellera.

Through the Strategic Innovation Fund, the Government of Canada is contributing $225 million to support AbCellera’s $701 million project to create a biotech campus equipped with a preclinical antibody development facility and make significant upgrades to its existing facilities in Vancouver. The Province of B.C. is providing $75 million. The funding will allow AbCellera to enhance and expand the Canadian value chain in antibody drug development and clinical research, giving Canadian patients earlier access to innovative medicines.

This project aligns with Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, as well as with B.C.’s recently launched Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy, to rebuild the Canadian biomanufacturing sector across the country. The contribution will enable AbCellera to create over 400 full-time positions in Canada, invest  in research and development, and strengthen the country’s life sciences sector.

“In 2020, our government made a promise to Canadians that we would build back our life sciences ecosystem. And today, we are once again delivering on that promise by partnering with AbCellera, a company at the cutting edge of technology,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Its project will make sure that Canada is at the forefront of antibody drug development, while also strengthening our life sciences sector. We are not only making our country a major player in the global biomanufacturing and life sciences industry but also boosting Canada’s economy and creating good jobs for Canadians.”